>> Friday, February 19, 2016

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Office of the Ombudsman has affirmed its
decision to indict the governor of Pangasinan and two other dismissed
officials for allegedly allowing black sand mining here in favor of unqualified
contractors.

A 12-page order signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and graft
investigation and prosecution officer II Jasmine Ann Gapatan said there is
probable cause to charge Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr., former provincial
administrator Rafael Baraan and former provincial housing and homesite regulation
officer Alvin Bigay with graft.

The order was issued on Jan. 11, but released only Thursday.

“The officials of Xypher Builders Inc. knew that their company was not
accredited by the Philippine Contractors Board, yet they negotiated, entered
into and executed the magnetite extraction contract with respondents Espino and
Baraan, making them conspirators and principals by direct participation or
indispensable cooperation,” the order stated.

The company was granted a mining permit on Oct. 26, 2011.

The ombudsman said the government lost P10.7 million for allowing
the export of the extracted minerals to China.

The ombudsman also affirmed its finding of grave misconduct against
Baraan and Bigay, who were dismissed from the service last year in connection
with the case. It also ordered the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of
retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the
government service of the two former officials.

Espino, a member of the Liberal Party, is running for congressman in the
fifth district of Pangasinan. He will challenge KimiCojuangco of the
Nationalist People’s Coalition, who is seeking reelection.